A Home for Your Pets

Families come in all shapes and sizes and with all different kinds of members. Many, like my own, include a pet.

Our Gracie

Families with pets often have a few more considerations when it comes to finding a place to call home. For the 61 percent of U.S. households that either have a pet or plan to get one in the future, it is important to understand their unique homeownership needs.

According to the new report, 81 percent of Americans take their pets into consideration when deciding on their next living situation.

An even greater number, 89 percent of those surveyed, said they would not give up their pet because of a housing restriction or limitation. And if a home is not ideal for an animal, one-third of pet owners would not even put in an offer on a home.

The report indicated that even twelve percent of pet owners have moved to accommodate their animal, and 19 percent said that they would consider moving to accommodate their animal in the future.

A client, whose home I helped sell, holds Gracie after a morning walk.

Realtors® who were also surveyed indicated that one-third of their pet-owning clients often or very often will refuse to make an offer on a home because it is not ideal for their animal. In addition, Realtors® noted that 61 percent of buyers find it difficult or very difficult to locate a rental property or a homeowners association that accommodates animals.

When it comes to selling, 67 percent of Realtors® say animals have a moderate to major effect on selling a home. Approximately two-thirds of Realtors® say that they advise animal owning sellers to always replace thing in the home damaged by an animal, have the home cleaned to remove any animal scents and to take animals out of the home during an open house or showing.

For more than two decades, I have helped clients find just the right home to meet the needs of their families. Let me help you with any questions and considerations regarding your pet when considering the sale or purchase of a home.